1. Prepare for Battle
Bulimia isn't restricted to people who make themselves vomit after every meal. People with bulimia may use laxatives or excessive exercise to purge after eating. Before you get help for bulimia, you need to know the signs to identify whether you have an eating disorder. If you suspect you might be bulimic, read information about the disorder. Look at websites similar to the one provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to learn about the effects of bulimia on your body and to review the types of treatments. Recovering from an eating disorder may take years; the more information you get, the better prepared you'll be to fight the disease.
2. Help for Bulimia is a Phone Call Away
Many people who know they're bulimic refuse to get help because of shame. If this sounds like you, find a help line and call anonymously. NEDA hosts a toll-free helpline at (800) 931-2237. The help line provides a list of medical professionals in your area, offers support over the phone or will help you find a local support group. Talking with a volunteer may give you enough courage to get eating disorder treatment or at least open the lines of communication with someone who understands so you don't try to deal with your problem alone.
3. Admit Your Eating Disorder
One of the first steps to getting bulimia treatment is admitting you have a problem. Then you need to start building a support system. You may confide your problem to a close friend, a parent, or a mentor. While these individuals can help you get treatment for bulimia, don't expect them to solve the problem. Ask them to support you, to help you identify binge triggers and to hold you accountable. You may want someone who has recovered from bulimia to encourage you in your own recovery. Research indicates people with strong support systems often recover faster without relapse.
4. Stop the Cycle with Bulimia Treatment
Treating eating disorders often requires medical intervention from qualified doctors and psychiatrists. Many eating disorders stem from emotional problems, such as poor self-esteem. People in the late stages of bulimia often must undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy, which targets the negative and unhealthy thoughts patients experience when they eat. When patients learn to stop their binge triggers, they stop the binge-purge cycle of bulimia. Psychotherapy may help to restore a positive self-image and correct the emotional disorders contributing to a negative self-image. Doctors also use group therapy and interpersonal therapy in bulimia treatment.
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